Town of Acton Shares Resources for Food to Support Those Losing Federal SNAP Benefits Due to Government Shutdown

ACTON — The Town of Acton and Department of Health and Family Services inform residents of resources for food availability with the pending delay in SNAP benefits due to the government shutdown. 

The federal government does not intend to issue SNAP payments on Nov. 1, leaving roughly 1,339 Acton and Boxborough residents in danger of food insecurity.

Food pantries and community organizations in or near Acton provide access to food and groceries for those in need:

• The Acton Food Pantry, located at 235 Summer Road, Boxborough, provides four days of dry and fresh food, as well as diapers, baby food, wipes, and other household basics. It is open Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Thursdays from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., and is closed the week of the fourth Wednesday of each month.
• Open Table, 33 Main St., Maynard, provides a wide variety of fresh food options along with prepared meals made by their staff. It is open for seniors 65+ only on Tuesdays between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m., and for all on Tuesdays between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. and Thursdays between 11 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
• Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church, 472 Massachusetts Ave., Acton, provides a weekly community supper with hot meals and restaurant-style service on Wednesdays from 4:30-5:45 p.m.
• First Parish Church, 353 Great Road, Stow, holds a Guest Table Community Dinner, on the second Friday of each month, starting at 5 p.m.

Acton’s transportation services also provide weekly shopping trips to the Acton Food Pantry and local Market Basket free of charge. To request a shopping trip, contact CrossTown Connect central dispatch, 978-844-6809. 

“Having access to nutritious food is paramount for the health and sustainability of our community,” said Director of Health and Family Services Penelope Funaiole. “We want everyone, in our community and neighboring communities, to know that they have resources to rely on that can help lessen the blow of the loss of SNAP benefits.”

For up-to-date details on these programs and more resources, visit here,or contact the Community Services Office at (978) 929-6651 or lducharme@actonma.gov.

“These are troubling times for many Acton area residents who utilize SNAP benefits,” said Town Manager John Mangiaratti. “We want our residents to know that we are committed to supporting our community through this difficult time.”